Steve Johnston was born in Glasgow in 1956, and graduated from Cumbria College of Art & Design in 1976.  He worked as a photographer for some time, for magazines including i-D and Vogue; his work was published in various books and was included in the 'Lives' exhibition curated by Derek Boshier at the Hayward Gallery.  He then returned to painting full time in 1981.

Steve's reputation has grown, and his work is widely recognised through the publication of limited-edition prints.  His original paintings are collected worldwide.  He says of his work, "I approach my backgrounds as an abstract painter, with colours and compositions chosen instinctively.  Certain images can unlock powerful emotions which can be separate from the actual content of the picture.  The aim is to portray essence and emotion rather than a precise person or location."